John Topham
John Topham (1833-1893)
1893 Obituary [1]
JOHN TOPHAM, eldest son of the late Rev. James Jerom Topham, was born at Dudley on the 2nd of April, 1833.
It having been determined that he should adopt the profession of engineering, he was, on leaving school, placed as a pupil in the works of Miller, Ravenhill and Co, Marine Engineers, Glasshouse Fields, Ratcliff.
On the expiration of his articles he was for a short time in the service of the Spanish and Portuguese Screw Navigation Company and subsequently in that of Sharp, Stewart and Co for eighteen months.
In 1857 Mr. Topham started business on his own account as a Consulting Engineer. An extremely quiet and reserved man, he spoke but little of his own affairs. It has been impossible, therefore, to obtain information as to the works upon which he was consulted or with which he was otherwise connected. It is known, however, that for a time he acted as engineer to the Inter-Colonial Royal Mail Steam Navigation Company and that he subsequently became a partner in the firm of Bevington, Topham and Courtauld of Spa Road, Bermondsey.
Mr. Topham died in London on the 6th of June, 1893, from an internal cancerous growth. In disposition he was, although proud and reserved, most affectionate and generous. His spare time was devoted principally to the study of literature.
Mr. Topham was elected an Associate of the Institution on the 10th of January, 1860.